I Corinthians 7:20, 23 & 24 says, "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called… For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God." Such as it is with the Louisiana based group called Testify. Proclaiming God's word in song, these guys are truly living out that scripture as being called to be a musical witness for the Lord.
Beginning in February 1995, brothers Kenneth and Brent Swanner felt a strong calling to join forces and start their own group. Brent shares, "I was hired right out of High School by a local group in Monroe , LA called Higher Kingdom . While singing with them for two years, I saw many lives changed by the music and message that we brought to the local churches of North Louisiana and Southern Arkansas . I also saw the way God was using Kenneth in his ministry as a youth and music minister. It was at this time that Kenneth and I both felt God calling us to start Testify."
Beginning as a duet, the brothers eventually realized the need for a baritone singer and through a period of about 4 years, went through several singers until they crossed paths with Landon Thompson at the 1999 National Quartet Convention. Landon picks up the story, "I had been singing since I was 4 years old. I had to stop singing Southern Gospel Music when I went to college because I was on a full scholarship to sing so called, 'Real Music.' I had sung with the choir there for 2 1/2 years when I went to the National Quartet Convention looking for a baritone position with a group. With the help of family friend, Sherry Steele of the Steeles, I auditioned for several groups that week, including Testify. After the convention I received a call from Brent saying they would be in my area and if I would be interested in hearing Testify and getting to know them better. I of course, said yes and Brent quickly replied, 'Well good, you can sing baritone for us that night then.'" And the rest, as they say, is history.
Drawing from unique musical influences such as CCM artists Avalon, Larnelle Harris, David Phelps, Steve Green, Sandi Patti and Michael English, the group has cultivated a sound that is not mainstream Southern Gospel as evidenced in their current recording, "The Highest Call." "To me 'The Highest Call' is our best recording to date," Brent states. "I think it best reflects Testify stylistically but also best portrays the message that Testify wants to convey. Several songs on the project speak of the call God has placed on our lives, from 'The Highest Call' to 'Living For The Call' and 'For The Love Of Christ' . This recording is definitely more progressive than our previous recordings and we are very comfortable with that. As a matter of fact I am more comfortable singing music from this project than any of our others." Produced by Buddy Mullins all three guys echo the same sentiment that Buddy was incredible to work with. In fact, they go in the studio again with Buddy after the first of next year to begin work on a brand new recording.
So far the group has charted two songs from their current release. Kenneth explains, "In God We Trust" was released right before the war in Iraq began so it had a huge impact. President Bush even heard it and he sent us a thank you letter. It went to #42 in the Singing News Chart. Our last single "All it Takes is a Shout" went to #40 and that surprised me because it is one of the more progressive songs on our album." The group's current single is entitled "Shine On" and is stylistically what the guys refers to as 'New Grass.'
Without a doubt, their sound is all their own. Though definitely Southern Gospel in nature, they have evolved with a progressive edge that people young and old are taking a liking to. Brent explains, "Our sound has evolved to the more progressive style but I think we are naturally drawn that way." Kenneth continues, "It was not something we sought after. It just so happens our way of singing is 'progressive' friendly. And it's still taking shape." Landon continues by saying, "As I get older, I see myself opening my mind to all types of influences which I think, make for a more interesting style. Playing with a wide array of sources makes it a lot more fun to sing."
People seem to really take to these guys because they come across as real people who's first and foremost goal is to share the Lord with folks who come to hear them in concert. Kenneth says, "There is nothing wrong with putting an entertainment value on your music. You want people to have a good time, but when they walk away you want them to have had a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ as well." Sharing similar thoughts, Landon says, "I love being able to make people laugh and having a good time in our concerts. I also love being able to bring it all back to the center of things, and that being the never ending love of God and how His love changes you forever." Kenneth continues, "We want everyone to know the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the most important thing. But we also want them to know that being a Christian is cool. It is OK for a Christian to have fun and what better place to have a good time than at a Testify concert!"
Speaking of which, the group has just released a new live video, hosted by Gary McSpadden, recorded live at the Starlite Theater in Branson, Missouri. Kenneth says of that night, "We had a blast. The crowd was into it and really seemed to connect with us. For this being our first video I think it went well. It is almost exactly what people can expect to see at a Testify concert." The video features 17 songs, mostly from their current release. The video also features some of their most requested songs from the last couple of years including their first top 40 hit, "Doubter to a Shouter" as well as "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy", "When I Lift Up My Head", "Three Nails, Three Days", "Keep Walking" and many more.
In their 9 ½ years of traveling and singing, many stories could be shared between the two brothers. Kenneth tells this one, "After recording "The Highest Call" in Nashville, we were ready to get home. We had been on the road a week prior to recording so we had all our equipment with us in our trailer. It was also during this time that the worst blizzard in a very long time hit Nashville. So not only were we weary from singing but also from having to deal with all the ice on the ground. When it came time to leave for home, we got in the van and headed south. We stopped about 30 miles south of Nashville to get gas and snacks. When we walked outside from the store, I stopped and looked at the guys and said, 'Where's the trailer?' In our haste to get home, we had left our trailer at the hotel. So it was back to Nashville, a good 30 miles away!" Brent shares this one; "One of Testify's first concerts was at my Grandparent's church in Mobile, AL in October of 1995. My Grandmother had just been diagnosed with cancer and was not going to be able to come to the concert. So we went to the hospital with a jam box and the staff allowed us to hold a private concert in her room. She passed away the following February and never got to hear Testify in a real concert. I am so thankful we sang in the hospital for her that day"
As the lyrics to "The Highest Call" says, "The highest call is on my life, living for Jesus no matter the price…there's a crown of life for those who give their all, living for Jesus, accepting the highest call." The call of God is upon these gentlemen, and they have accepted that call and they live each day with that call at the forefront of their minds and hearts. These guys have a heart for ministry and a heart to see other come to Christ through their music. Uplifting, challenging, progressive and exciting are words to describe Testify and their music. Learn more about them on their website, www.testify.org.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/30/2004
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 22
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What a great article on Testify. These young men are the real deal. I have had the pleasure of seeing Testify in concert many times and I can say without a doubt that God has His hand in their ministry. Each guy brings something different to the ministry and the Lord has colorfully blended them together to form a wonderful team that is on fire for Jesus. It is very evident that their purpose in the ministry is to see lost souls come to know the saving Love of Jesus and to encourage the Christian that is under fire and just needs a word of reassurance. Thank you, Testify, for your ever enduring efforts to reach out to others.
It is great to see these guys getting some recognition. I have seen them perform and it is obvious that the Lord has anointed them to bring His Word in song.
Great Article.
My wife and I love these guys. They are definitely for real. We have had the priviledge of hearing them and having them stay in our home. The Lord is using them to spread the Gospel. Thanks Testify, may God richly bless you.
You all have a sound and witness like no other. Appreciate your willingness to serve the Lord more and more in your fun/serious singing ways. You are a blessing no matter where you roam.
Many churches feel like they can't afford groups like you....but yet you come and just share with all that you have to give in return. God's seeds are being planted by you three and it's neat to hear how many lives are touched with your talents and gifts. God blesses the gift and the givers. You give your hearts out as we receive God's gift of eternal salvation. Keep on keeping on. Enjoy hearing from you in all ways.
This is a very good article about these young men. My husband and have seen Testify in concert several times and enjoy their music as well as their witness. May God continue to bless them and use them to His glory.
What can I say, the boys are the greatest to me but I know their roots and they could only be the greatest with parents like theirs. The boys are the real thing, truly God will use them to open up soul so He can then bring them to Himself. God is so great and will and has blessed them and their singing from day one. Love you guys, tell mom and dad hello.
WOW! God is AWESOME! The guys are great! What a great article...
I had never even heard of Testify until the came to our church about 3 months ago....What a great group of young men that love the Lord with all their heart and soul! I think I have all their CD's now and listen to them ALL the time! Don't think I will ever get tired of them either! Thanks Guys for ALL you do for the Lord and answering "The Highest Call"!
Wow! I have seen the guys several times here in SC and they truely blessed me and everyone at my church! They are awesome and I can't wait to see them again!
THIS IS A GREAT ARTICLE! I LOVE IT AND YOUR MUSIC. I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL CONCERTS IN JACKSON,MS AND LOVED YOUR MUSIC. I LISTEN TO YOUR CD'S OFTEN. YOU ALL ARE SUCH A BLESSING TO SO MANY THROUGH YOUR SONGS AND PRAISE. I PRAY THE LORD WILL BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO DO OUR LORDS WORK EVERY DAY. KEEP THE FAITH!!!
Hey Guy's,
Glad to see that the word is out. It is such a blessing to see good things happening for great people. For those that don't know, I invite them to look you guy's up, I constantly scan your web site as to not miss a concert near by..alright I'll drive a ways for that awesome blessing. Keep singing his praises for this is truly your calling. I'll keep praying and please remember us.
In Him,
Greg
"The Father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice, and he who becomes the father of a wise child shall have joy in him. Let the father and mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice." Proverbs 23:24-25. As the Father of two members of Testify I can say that your mother and I rejoice in being your parents. You have answered "The Highest Call" and that causes me to shout with great joy, "These are my Sons in whom I'm well pleased."
Dad
We have heard Testify several times at the Lake Country Jubilee and at our church, Vansickle Baptist Church. We have received a blessing from their concerts and their CD's. I know that God uses them, because we saw someone saved at our church following the concert. I pray that they will stay in God's will for their lives and reamin open to be used whenever and where ever God chooses.
What a great article!! I have had the opportunity to see Testify several times and in my opinion they can't be beat!!! They are the most down to earth people I have ever met and Landon is one of the funniest people I've ever met. I love his joke about blowing out the candle!! They deserve all the recognition they can possibly get. Keep up the good work guys!!!
Kelly Melanson
Crossett, AR
Keep Praising the Lord! I first heard Testify at Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Mesquite, TX. I was amazed at the talent God had given these three. They have such a strong faith in God and such testimony is given through each song they sing. I have every one of their CD's and I keep up with their website to make sure I don't miss a concert in our area. Great article on Testify!! As always, keep Christ first in your lives and he will continue to bless you and your families.
Jennifer
This is a very impressive article. You are a very deserving group of great and wonderful things. God is so good! I know He will continue to bless you beyond your understanding. What an awesome responsibility you have of spreading the most important message in the world to others. Love you, Jana
I have seen them in concert several times and it is a stirring experence every time. I feel that they need to be held up as examples for todays youth.
I pick up my grandson from daycare two days a week and we listen to Testify almost every time on the way home.
I have known the lady that is runs the daycare where my grandson goes for several years. She is a good woman and I felt comfortable with him there. I felt even better when I say her and her husband at a Testify concert.
Hey Guys! Its great to see what good blessings happens for good people. I have saw ya'll one time and it was such a true blessing to hear the songs and praise that was giving to the Lord and Savior. Hope to hear ya'll soon in my area. God Bless you and Keep praying.
Love in Christ,
Ashlee
Testify did such a great job on their CD, "The Highest Call"! I think that if we could just get the Christian radio station up here to play their songs, that they would go to 1 on the charts. Rose
Amen!!!! If you have never been able to sit and talk with these young men take the chance to do it! Testify is a wonderful group who loves the Lord with all of their heart! As you look into other SG groups you realize that some of them just so call minister as a job but Testify ministering is their life they were called to share the Love of Christ!!! I feel so refreshed and spiritually healed every time they share God's music with everyone! If you have never heard Kenneth preach or Testify sing, now is the time make it a point to hear them! Go to their website and see if they are close to your area if not see if they can be!! Don't miss out on God's opportunity for you!
I've known Brent for awhile. God has done alot with this group of guys. Testify is one of the most powerful gospel groups that I have ever heard. Ya'll our great. God has blessed each and everyone of you guys. Keep up the good work and remember to always keep God first no matter what the cost. Thanks for sharing the word of God with us.
your brother in christ,
Michael
I first heard Testify at a Grand Ole Orphry celebration,liked what I heard and bought a CD. I have listened to it over and over. Keep singing and come to Indiana.
Hey Guys!
I'm so proud to say ya'll are my cousins! Ya'll are doing great(you always have). I hope to see you & your families soon. God Bless!!!!!!
Lots of Love,
Lauren
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